Misery for Manchester United and a goal fest for Chelsea: The Premier League predictions

A look ahead to the action in England's top-flight on Saturday and Sunday

Watford v Tottenham, Saturday, 4.30pm: Watford's staggering turnaround continued with the 3-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend. They have gathered 13 of the last 15 points on offer, and can even leave internationals such as Roberto Pereyra on the bench. Nigel Pearson against Jose Mourinho in the dugouts could be an interesting match. AP PREDICTION: Watford 1 Tottenham 3

Arsenal v Sheffield United, Saturday, 7pm: Tenth placed Arsenal were held to a draw by Crystal Palace and had Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang red carded for a lunging tackle. It meant the Gunners have failed to win any of their last 15 Premier League away games against sides starting the day above them. Home form is better, but so is Sheffield United's away form. Reuters PREDICTION: Arsenal 1 Sheffield United 1

Brighton v Aston Villa, Saturday, 7pm: Danny Drinkwater's Villa debut didn't exactly go to plan with a 6-1 thrashing at home to Manchester City. Villa are on the slide and will have to change things very quickly if they are to avoid a single season stay in the Premier League. Getty PREDICTION: Brighton 2 Aston Villa 1

Manchester City v Crystal Palace, Saturday, 7pm: What more can be said about the remarkable Sergio Aguero after his hat-trick made him he top scoring import in Premier League history. City have so many top players it's hard to believe they trail Liverpool by 14 points. PA PREDICTION: Manchester City 4 Crystal Palace 1

Norwich v Bournemouth, Saturday, 7pm: An awful festive period and suddenly Bournemouth are in the relegation zone. Ludicrously, there is even talk of manager Eddie Howe being replaced. Howe has done a fantastic job at the club, and deserves the chance to turn things around. However, it may get worse before it gets better. Reuters PREDICTION: Norwich 2 Bournemouth 0

Southampton v Wolves, Saturday, 7pm: Southampton are another club on the rise. Who would have predicted after their 9-0 thrashing at home to Leicester in October that they would win the reverse fixture last weekend? Great stuff and reward for sticking with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. And now calls for Danny Ings to make the England squad. PA PREDICTION: Southampton 2 Wolves 2

West Ham v Everton, Saturday, 7pm: Two new managers in David Moyes and Carlo Ancelotti, and a gap of six points sees Everton in good shape. West Ham are only just in the safety zone and will need to pick up quickly. AFP PREDICTION: West Ham 1 Everton 1

Newcastle v Chelsea, Saturday, 9.30pm: Tammy Abraham has scored 13 Premier League goals for Chelsea this season - Frank Lampard is the only Englishman to score more in a single campaign in the competition for the club. He is looking very impressive when Chelsea click. Getty PREDICTION: Newcastle 2 Chelsea 2

Burnley v Leicester, Sunday, 6pm: Dennis Praet was the 14th different player to score a Premier League goal for Leicester this season when he netted against Southampton. However, despite taking the lead, they still lost at home. A temporary blip or is their incredible season finally running out of steam. AP PREDICTION: Burnley 1 Leicester 2

Liverpool v Manchester United, Sunday, 8.30pm: One of the traditionally great fixtures, but this season almost a mismatch. Liverpool are an astonishing 27 points clear of their great rivals barely half way through the season. But to give credit to United, they are the only side to take points off Liverpool this season, in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October. Does this mean Jurgen Klopp is seeking revenge? EPA PREDICTION: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 0

Just when the Premier League completes its hectic festive period of the season, it gets busy again.

A weekend of action is followed by a midweek of action, and it's another chance to make a big move away from trouble, or it it all goes wrong, a slide towards the Championship.

Leaders Liverpool have possibly the toughest challenge; hosting Manchester United, and then travelling to Wolves. It might not make an ounce of difference to their Premier League cakewalk, but they will do well to remain unbtean and edge ever closer to the tag of Invincibles.

Liverpool play Manchester United in the 8.30pm match on Sunday. The weekend kicks off with Nigel Pearson against Jose Mourinho, or Watford v Tottenham, at 4.30pm on Saturday.

Later that day Manchester City host Crystal Palace, while Chelsea visit Newcastle in the late game at 9.30pm.

Ahead of this round of fixtures, Dominic Hart attempts to predict the outcome of each match in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows or thumbnails, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.